South West England’s territorial police force
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has refused to apologise over a social-media post featuring a guillotine and the slogan We’re only making plans for Nigel. Police inquiries continue as Reform UK pushes for action; the issue dominates political debate as parties weigh responses to online content.
A domestic incident in Bristol has resulted in a fatal explosion at a Sterncourt Road address. Jo Shaw, 35, and Ryan Kelly, 41, have died. Several others are injured; investigators say the explosion was deliberate but not terror-related. Police are conducting searches and will keep the public updated.
A series of separate incidents across the UK have resulted in fatalities and arrests. In Arnold, Nottinghamshire, five people were struck by a car; a 40-year-old man is in custody on suspicion of attempted murder. In Bristol, a domestic incident has ended with an explosion attributed to a deliberate act, killing one person and injuring others. Authorities say there is no current indication of a wider threat to the public.
Multiple defendants across the UK face charges or have admitted offences related to rape, sexual assault and abuse spanning decades. Cases involve a former pop star, MPs, and a group of men; proceedings are ongoing with investigations, plea changes, and upcoming trials.
A motorway incident on the M5 near Taunton has caused a long traffic delay, overheating concerns for a child in a car, and advisories from Avon and Somerset Police and National Highways on safe actions during such emergencies. RAC forecasts imply further delays this weekend as families plan summer getaways.
Tony Bartlett has been convicted of murder after violently shaking Atticus Bartlett, a 13‑month‑old, in Chard, Somerset, in July 2022. He has received a minimum 18‑year sentence. The case involved heavy drinking, the baby’s fatal injuries, and a trial at Bristol Crown Court.